Siyanda Ndlovu credits critics as Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate MTN8 triumph

Mamelodi Sundowns newcomer Siyanda Ndlovu says the people who questioned his decision to join the club provided extra motivation during his move from Golden Arrows.

The 23-year-old arrived at Sundowns in the off-season and has already helped Masandawana secure two trophies, the MTN8 and the Fifa African Asian Pacific Cup.

Ndlovu’s latest success came on Saturday, when Sundowns defeated Orlando Pirates 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium to win the MTN8 title. He said the doubts surrounding his move had encouraged him to compete for a place in a squad packed with quality players.

“Those remarks actually pushed me; the fact that I’m coming into a team that has quality players means I must compete to be able to claim my position, so those who made those remarks actually helped me,” Ndlovu told the media after the final.

The midfielder was particularly pleased to win the competition at his first attempt, having never previously played in the MTN8.

“I’m very happy to have won my second trophy for the club, but more than anything, I hadn’t played the MTN8 before, and my dream was to win it as soon as I played the competition, so I’m glad that’s happened now,” he said.

Ndlovu has adapted quickly to life at the star-studded club, with his previous work under Manqoba Mngqithi at Golden Arrows helping make the transition smoother.

He said the similarities between the football played by the two clubs had made it easier to settle at Sundowns.

“In terms of adjusting, I think it was easy for me because the kind of football we play here is similar to how we played at Golden Arrows under coach Manqoba Mngqithi, so they made the transition easier,” Ndlovu said.

Thabang Matuludi, who joined Sundowns from Polokwane City, has also been pleased with the immediate success of his new club.

The defender said appearing in and winning the MTN8 final represented an important moment in his career.

“I had a chance to play the MTN8 final and win it; this is something big for my career,” Matuludi said.

Matuludi also highlighted the influence of experienced Sundowns players, naming Thapelo Morena and Khuliso Mudau as figures from whom he continues to learn.

“There is a lot to learn from an experienced player such as Thapelo Morena; he has been in the game for a long time, and I look up to him and Khuliso Mudau,” he added.